Motivation

I’ve been totally unmotivated lately when it comes to writing. Just the thought of sitting down at my computer to write is unpleasant enough for me to find any number of other things to do—even laundry! I’m uninspired and discouraged.

One reason I think is that I submitted to an editor who was offering to provide feedback with rejections, as a “one time only” kind of deal. So I sent her my manuscript. I knew it wasn’t ready; I knew it would be a no. That’s why I sent it to her in the first place—for the feedback! But when I actually got the rejection and the feedback, I was discouraged. I shouldn’t have been, but I haven’t submitted anything for awhile and I forgot to steel myself beforehand.

Another reason was the storm and the mental stress. We suffered no damage and lost no power, but our town did and all the surrounding towns as well. The kids missed a week of school and we housed friends and family, as well as provided daytime refuge. My house was chock full of people and it was exhausting. I’d fall into bed each night and try as hard as I could, but the ideas that usually fill my head right before I fall asleep didn’t come. It was a blank. And when I slept, I dreamt of fires and other disasters.

But there has been some good that’s come from all of this. Now that life has calmed down, I feel rejuvenated and excited to start writing again. The thought of sitting in my house, alone (finally!), and being able to write is something that I’m looking forward to now. I’m even contemplating going to the library to do some research (my least favorite thing to do).

And I’m finally looking at the feedback as I had originally intended: an opportunity to improve what I knew deep down really did need improving. And honestly, there was also positive feedback that I’m going to pay more attention to now, rather than ignoring it and only focusing on the bad.

The inspiration is coming back and I’m motivated once again!